CONCERNED residents are being called on to take up parish and town council roles in the upcoming election.

Nominations for new councillors across Tendring will open on Tuesday and close on April 3.

Martin Rayner, chairman of Mistley Parish Council, said: “I think the parishes here in Mistley, Lawford and possible Manningtree are going to have vacancies.

“Certainly Mistley, I’m not going to stand.

“Andy Birch, the vice-chairman, is also standing down and Frances Fairhall will be too after being a councillor for about 15 years.

“We need people who want to speak up for the local community to come forward.”

The deadline for voter registration for the local election is April 12 and for postal vote registration is April 15.

For more information about being a councillor and the nomination process visit tendringdc.gov.uk/node/133